US 11,305,725 B2Granted

Quick release buckle

AssigneeJoseph H. Leurs

InventorJoseph Howard Leurs

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

Quick Release Buckle (QRB) is an automated seatbelt system. QRB utilizes a power source and control unit software incorporated into pre-existing components within the vehicle's transmission or by micro-switch. QRB automatically disengages the seatbelt upon placing the vehicle in “park”, regardless of the ignition setting for law enforcement/military vehicles. While in “park”, an electrical signal energizes a solenoid releasing the buckle. The control unit contains proprietary software that records every engage/disengage of the seatbelt. Electronic records can be downloaded at any time, using an integrated micro-scan disk (SD) module/card. During a collision, the system ceases to record activity, showing electronic proof the seatbelt was engaged/disengaged. Civilian application includes accident investigations, insurance inquiries, and private company regulation compliance. Civilian QRB differs slightly as the transmission must be placed in “park” and the ignition must be in “off” for system operation.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A quick release buckle system comprising:

At least one seat belt buckle for use in a vehicle, the seat belt buckle including a latching mechanism and a latching tongue;
A micro control unit connected to the seat belt buckle and configured to be connected to a transmission, electrical system of the vehicle or switch, the micro control unit configured to perform the following steps:
a. Determine whether the vehicle is a law enforcement vehicle or a civilian vehicle;
b. Upon determining that the vehicle is the law enforcement vehicle, configuring the seat belt buckle to release the latching mechanism when the vehicle is placed in a park position, and an ignition of the law enforcement vehicle is in one of the on or off position as set by an operator of the vehicle;
and
c. Upon deterring that the vehicle is the civilian vehicle, configuring the seat belt buckle to release the latching mechanism when the vehicle is placed in the park position and an ignition of the civilian vehicle is in the off position;
the seat belt buckle is configured to additionally contain manual releasing capability.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 16/527,020Filed 31 Jul 2019
Published: US 2021/0031721 A14 Feb 2021
Granted: 19 Apr 2022
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

B60R 22/04
Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles: passive restraint systems, i.e. systems both applied and removed automatically, e.g. by movement of…
B60R 22/32
Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles: devices for releasing in an emergency, e.g. after an accident ; Remote or automatic unbuckling devices
B60R 22/321
Devices for releasing in an emergency, e.g. after an accident ; Remote or automatic unbuckling devices: using electric means
B60R 22/48
Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles: control systems, alarms, or interlock systems, for the correct application of the belt or harness